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Patent 2927352 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

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(12) Patent: (11) CA 2927352
(54) English Title: CONTAINER
(54) French Title: RECIPIENT
Status: Expired and beyond the Period of Reversal
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • B65D 21/08 (2006.01)
  • A61F 9/00 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • NELSON, WAYNE (United Kingdom)
  • LANGLEY, JOSEPH (United Kingdom)
  • MACQUEEN, PETER GRAHAM RICHARD (United Kingdom)
  • PHILLIPS, MARK (United Kingdom)
  • WILLOX, MATT (United Kingdom)
(73) Owners :
  • VERNACARE LIMITED
(71) Applicants :
  • VERNACARE LIMITED (United Kingdom)
(74) Agent: SMART & BIGGAR LP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued: 2021-12-28
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2014-11-04
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2015-05-07
Examination requested: 2019-10-22
Availability of licence: N/A
Dedicated to the Public: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/GB2014/053278
(87) International Publication Number: WO 2015063521
(85) National Entry: 2016-04-13

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
1319433.7 (United Kingdom) 2013-11-04

Abstracts

English Abstract

A container, in particular a urine bottle (10) formed from maceratable sheet material comprises an enclosing wall and an aperture (58). The container is expandable from a first, collapsed configuration into a second, expanded configuration. The sheet material has a plurality of fold lines which define one or more recesses (60, 62) in the enclosing wall of the container in the expanded configuration. In the collapsed condition, the container comprises a lower sheet and an upper sheet lying below a sheet, the upper and lower sheets being sealed together along their lateral edges (34, 36) and along a first, end edge (38) between a first, lower end of the lateral edges (34, 36). The lateral edges (34, 36) taper towards each other and the aperture (58) extends between the second, opposite ends of the lateral edges.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un récipient, en particulier une bouteille à urine (10) formée à partir de matière en feuille pouvant être macérée, lequel récipient comprend une paroi de fermeture et une ouverture (58). Le récipient est extensible d'une première configuration pliée à une seconde configuration étendue. La matière en feuille comprend une pluralité de lignes de pliage qui définissent une ou plusieurs cavités (60, 62) dans la paroi de fermeture du récipient dans la configuration étendue. Dans l'état plié, le récipient comprend une feuille inférieure et une feuille supérieure situées sous une feuille, les feuilles supérieure et inférieure étant scellées ensemble le long de leurs bords latéraux (34, 36) et le long d'un premier bord d'extrémité (38) entre une première extrémité inférieure des bords latéraux (34, 36). Les bords latéraux (34, 36) s'effilent l'un vers l'autre et l'ouverture (58) s'étend entre les secondes extrémités opposées des bords latéraux.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


16
CLAIMS
1. A urine bottle formed from sheet material, the urine bottle comprising an
enclosing wall and an aperture and being expandable from a first, collapsed
configuration into a second, expanded configuration, the sheet material having
a
plurality of fold lines which define one or more recesses in the enclosing
wall of the
urine bottle in the expanded configuration, wherein in the collapsed condition
the
urine bottle comprises a lower sheet and an upper sheet overlying the lower
sheet,
the upper and lower sheets being sealed together along their lateral edges and
along a first, end edge extending between a first end of each of the lateral
edges,
the lateral edges tapering towards each other from a respective end of the
said
end edge to the said aperture and the aperture extending between the second,
opposite ends of the lateral edges, and wherein each of the lateral edges
extends
across a respective one of said one or more of recesses.
2. A urine bottle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper sheet and lower
sheet are of substantially the same shape and dimensions.
3. A urine bottle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the urine
bottle is in the first, collapsed condition, each of the upper and lower
sheets is
substantially planar and comprises a front edge, two side edges and a rear
edge,
the front edge joining one end of each of the side edges and the rear edge
joining
the other end of the side edges.
4. A urine bottle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the side edges and rear
edges of the upper and lower sheets are joined to each other.
5. A urine bottle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the front edges of the upper
and lower sheets are not joined to each other.
6. A urine bottle as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the rear
edge is arcuate.
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-28

17
7. A urine bottle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the rear edge is part-
circular.
8. A urine bottle as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the side
edges of the planar sheets extend along the recesses.
9. A urine bottle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lower
sheet comprises a plurality of fold lines which form a base wall when the
urine
bottle is in the second, expanded configuration.
10. A urine bottle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising one
or more arcuate fold lines which define a recess in the enclosing wall of the
urine
bottle in the expanded configuration.
11. A urine bottle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the
plurality of fold lines in the sheet material define one or more elongate
recesses in
the enclosing wall of the urine bottle in the expanded configuration.
12. A urine bottle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the urine
bottle is formed from a foldable sheet.
13. A urine bottle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the urine bottle is formed
from foldable card.
14. A urine bottle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the card comprises
paper pulp card.
15. A urine bottle as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the
sheet is liquid resistant.
16. A urine bottle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, formed from a
single foldable blank.
17. A urine bottle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the
material from which the urine bottle is made is maceratable.
18. A urine bottle as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the urine
bottle comprises a urinal
Date Recue/Date Received 2021-04-28

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


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DESCRIPTION
CONTAINER
The present invention relates generally to collapsible containers and in
particular, but not exclusively, to collapsible male urine bottles.
Urine bottles are frequently used in, for example, hospitals and nursing
homes for patients who are either confined to bed or who are otherwise unable
to
use a toilet. Disposable urine bottles are known, which can be discarded after
use,
thus eliminating the requirement to empty, clean and sterilise a traditional,
non-
disposable urine bottle.
However, in spite of these advantages, a disposable urine bottle typically
takes up the same amount of storage space as a non-disposable urine bottle. It
will be appreciated that a greater number of disposable urine bottles will
need to
be stored, since they are single-use only. This greater number vastly
increases
storage space required, which can be problematic in hospitals and similar
-- environments, in which storage space is limited.
In view of this, collapsible urine bottles have been developed, such as that
disclosed in US 3,099,017. The urine bottle comprises scorings which allow it
to
be folded up to its erected or collapsed configurations. The urine bottle also
comprises a handle which acts to hold the urine bottle in its erected
configuration.
However, there are several problems associated with this device. Namely, the
nature of the scoring is particularly complicated which is likely to increase
manufacturing costs, but perhaps more significantly, results in a multi-stage
assembly process, in order to erect the bottle. It will be appreciated that
this
laborious set up process is impractical in a busy medical environment.
/5 A further known
arrangement is disclosed in US 3,579,653. However,
aside from also being quite a complicated arrangement of score lines, the
nature
of the folding mechanism, for example the inward and upward folding of the
bottom

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wall along a median fold line, is unlikely to give a user confidence that the
bottle
will resist folding during use.
The present invention has been designed with the foregoing in mind.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a container
formed from sheet material, the container comprising an enclosing wall and an
aperture and being expandable from a first, collapsed configuration into a
second,
expanded configuration, the sheet material having a plurality of fold lines
which
define one or more recesses in the enclosing wall of the container in the
expanded
configuration, wherein in the collapsed condition the container comprises a
lower
sheet and an upper sheet overlying the lower sheet, the upper and lower sheets
being sealed together along their lateral edges and along a first, end edge
extending between a first end of each of the lateral edges, the lateral edges
tapering towards each other and the aperture extending between the second,
opposite ends of the lateral edges.
The container in accordance with the present invention can be stood in a
substantially fiat configuration, which greatly reduces the volume required
for
storage. When required for use, a collapsed container can be transformed into
an
expanded urinal. The or each recess in the enclosing wall of the container
facilitates manipulation, lifting and carrying of the container and also helps
to retain
the container In its expanded configuration.
Preferably, the upper sheet and lower sheet are of substantially the same
shape and dimensions.
In one embodiment, when the container is in the first, collapsed condition,
each of the upper and lower sheets is substantially planar and comprises a
front
edge, two side edges and a rear edge, the front edge joining one end of each
of
the side edges and the rear edge joining the other end of the side edges.

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Preferably, the side edges and rear edges of the upper and lower sheets
are joined to each other. Preferably, the front edges of the upper and lower
sheets
are not joined to each other.
The rear edge may be arcuate, for example part-circular.
Preferably, the side edges of the planar sheets extend along the recesses.
Preferably, the lower sheet comprises a plurality of fold lines which form a
base wall when the container Is in the second, expanded configuration.
Preferably, the container comprises one or more arcuate fold lines which
define a recess in the enclosing wall of the container in the expanded
configuration.
The plurality of fold lines in the sheet material may define one or more
elongate recesses in the enclosing wall of the container in the expanded
configuration.
Preferably, the container is formed from a foldable sheet, for example
foldable paper pulp card, including paperboard, paper or the like. Preferably
the
sheet is liquid resistant. For example, the pulp from which the sheet is made
may
comprise a water-resistant composition, such as the fluorocarbon compound
disclosed in GB2439947. Alternatively, or in addition, the sheet may be
provided
with one or more liquid-resistant layers or coatings, for example of the
fluorocarbon
compound disclosed in GB2439947, or some other liquid-resistant layer or
coating.
10 The container may be formed from a single, foldable blank.
Preferably, the material from which the container is made is maceratable.
In a preferred embodiment, the container comprises a urinal.
The present invention also provides a container formed from sheet
material, the container comprising an enclosing wall and an aperture and being
expandable from a first, collapsed configuration into a second, expanded
configuration, the sheet material having a plurality of fold lines which
define one or
more recesses in the enclosing wall of the container in the expanded
configuration.

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In one embodiment, in the first, collapsed configuration the container
comprises an upper sheet and a lower sheet overlying one another and joined to
one another along a plurality of edges.
Preferably, the upper sheet and lower sheet are joined to one another
continuously around their periphery except for a portion of the periphery
which is
configured to form the aperture of the container in its expanded
configuration.
In one embodiment, the side walls of the upper and lower sheets converge
towards the front edge.
By way of example only, specific embodiments of the present invention will
now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of collapsible male urinal
in accordance with the present invention, shown in its expanded condition;
Fig. 2 is a side view of the male urinal of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a view from above of the male urinal of Fig. 1;
Fig. 4 is a view from below of the male urinal of Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is a view from above of the male urinal of Fig. 1, shown in a collapsed
condition;
Fig. 6 is a view from below of the male urinal of Fig. 1, shown in a collapsed
condition;
Fig. 7 is a view from above of the cardboard blank from which the male
urinal of Fig. 1 is made;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of collapsible male
urinal in accordance with the present invention, shown in its expanded
condition;
Fig. 9 is a side view of the male urinal of Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a view from above of the male urinal of Fig. 8
Fig. 11 is a view from below of the male urinal of Fig. 8;

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Fig. 12 is a view from above of the male urinal of Fig. 8, shown in a
collapsed condition;
Fig. 13 is a view from below of the male urinal of Fig. 8, shown in a
collapsed condition;
5 Fig. 14 is a view from above of the cardboard blank from which the male
urinal of Fig. 8 is made;
Fig. 15 is a perspective view from above of a third embodiment of
collapsible male urinal in accordance with the present invention, shown in its
expanded condition;
Fig, 16 is a perspective view from below of the male urinal of Fig. 15;
Fig, 17 is a side view of the male urinal of Fig. 15;
Fig. 18 is a view from below of the male urinal of Fig. 15;
Fig. 19 is a front view of the male urinal of Fig. 1;
Fig. 20 is a rear view of the male urinal of Fig. 15;
Fig. 21 is a view from above of the male urinal of Fig. 20;
Fig. 22 is a view from above of the cardboard blank from which the male
urinal of Fig. 15 is made;
Fig. 23 is a view from above of the urinal of Fig. 15, shown in a collapsed
condition; and
.70 Fig. 24 is a view from below of the urinal of Fig. 15, shown in the
collapsed
condition.
A first embodiment of male urinal is shown in Figs. 1 to 7. The urinal 10 is
formed from a sheet of card formed from paper pulp, out of which is stamped
the
blank 12 shown in Fig. 7. The blank 12 is folded and glued to form into the
collapsed urinal shown in Figs. 5 and 6, which may be expanded when required
to
form the expanded urinal 10 shown in Figs. 1 to 4, in which condition it is
ready to
use. The materials from which the urinal is constructed are such that the
bottle is

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maceratable, Le. it may be disposed of in a conventional macerator in which
one
or more impellers reduce the urinal to panicles which are sufficiently small
that they
can be disposed of in conventional drains and sewers without significantly
increasing the likelihood of blockages. The card from which the urinal 10 is
constructed is also treated to make it impervious to urine for a predetermined
period, typically a few hours, as for prior art urinals. For example, the pulp
from
which the card is made may comprise the fluorocarbon compound disclosed in
GB2439947, or some other liquid-resistant additive. Alternatively, or In
addition,
the card may be provided with one or more liquid-resistant layers or coatings,
for
example of the fluorocarbon compound disclosed in GB2439947, or some other
liquid-resistant layer or coating.
As best seen in Fig. 7, the blank 12 comprises a central panel C having a
short straight front edge 14, two straight side edges 16, 18 in the form of
fold lines,
which converge towards, and join, a respective end of the front edge 14, and a
part-circular rear edge 20 which connects the other ends of the side edges 16,
18.
Two side panels S. mirror images of each other, extend from a respective one
of
the two side sides 16, 18 of the central panel C. Each side panel S comprises
a
straight front edge 22, a straight outer edge 24, 26 and a rounded, part-
circular
rear edge 28. The part-circular rear edge 28 is of the same radius as the part-
circular rear edge 20 of the central panel G and the side panels S are
slightly wider
than the width of the central panel C. Consequently, when the side panels S
are
folded in towards each other along the respective edges 16, 18 of the central
panel
C, they lie flat on the surface of the central panel and the edges of the side
panels
S overlap each other, as do the peripheries of the part-circular rear edges 20
of
the central panel C and of the side panels S.
The overlapping portions are secured together by application of a layer of
liquid-resistant PVOH adhesive 30 (although other suitable liquid-resistant

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adhesives may be used), to form the collapsed urinal shown in Figs. 5 and 6,
having a straight front edge 32, two straight side edges 34, 36 which converge
towards, and join with, a respective end of, the front edge 32, and a rear,
part-
circular end edge 38 which interconnects the opposite ends of the side edges
34,
36. The overlapping portions which form the front straight edge 32 are not
secured
together, and thereby define a slot 40 which, when the urinal is expanded,
will form
an opening of the urinal 10, as will be explained.
The fold lines in the lower leaf of the collapsed bottle (see Fig. 6) define a
base wall 42 on the undersurface of the urinal, defined by two straight fold
lines
44, 46 each extending from a point 47 near the rear end of a respective side
edge
34, 36 to a respective end of a short centrally-disposed fold line 48
extending
parallel to the front straight edge 32 and located approximately half the
distance
from the front straight edge 32 to the furthermost point of the curved rear
edge 38.
Two further straight fold lines 50, 52 extend from respective ends of the
centrally
disposed fold line 48 to a point 54 near the front end of the associated side
edges
34, 36.
On the opposite, upper leaf of the collapsed urinal (see Fig. 5), two curved
fold lines 56, 58 are provided, each extending from the point 47 on the
respective
side edge 34, 36 where the straight fold lines 44, 46 meet the side edge 34,
36
adjacent the arcuate end edge 38 to the point 54 on the respective side edge
34,
36 where the straight fold lines 50, 52 on the lower leaf meet the side edge
34, 36
adjacent the front edge 32.
The urinal 10 is stored in the flat, collapsed condition shown in Figs. 5 and
6, in which condition it occupies very little volume compared with a
conventional,
moulded urinal. When it is desired to use a urinal, a collapsed urinal is
transformed
into an expanded urinal, shown in Figs. 1 to 4, by pressing inwardly on the
opposite
straight side edges 34, 36. This causes the urinal 12 to expand into the
condition

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shown in Figs. 1 to 4. In particular, it will be observed that the curved fold
lines 56,
58 on the upper face of the collapsed urinal and the straight fold lines 44,
46, 48,
50, 52 on the lower face of the collapsed urinal result in the formation of
generally
lenticular, identical concave recesses 60, 62 on either side of the expanded
urinal,
with each of the side edges 34, 36 extending down the length of a respective
recess from corner to corner. The configuration of the recesses 60, 62 also
makes
it less likely that the expanded urinal will collapse. The recesses 60, 62 and
the
angles formed by the folds in the expanded configuration cause external loads
applied to the expanded container to tend to force the sides containing these
recesses closer together, resulting in a much greater resistance to collapse,
which
would require these sides to move apart in order to achieve the collapsed
configuration.
As shown in Fig. 1, when the urinal 10 is in the expanded condition, the two
previously abutting leaves of card which form the urinal 10 separate from each
other along the front edge 32 and the flow 40 opens to form an opening 58 to
the
expanded urinal. The urinal can then be used in the same way as prior art
urinals
and subsequently disposed of in a macerator. The concave recesses 54, 46 which
also effectively form the side walls of the expanded urinal, also facilitate
manipulation and lifting of the urinal using one hand.
The second embodiment of the invention, shown in Figs. 8 to 14, is very
similar to the first embodiment, the main differences are the number, location
and
shape of the fold lines. In particular, all of the fold lines on the second
embodiment
of urinal are straight.
As for the first embodiment, the second embodiment is a male urinal 110
formed from a sheet of cardboard, out of which is stamped the blank 112 shown
in
Fig. 14. The blank 112 is folded and glued to form the collapsed urinal shown
in
Figs. 12 and 13, which may be expanded when required to form the expanded

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urinal 110 shown in Figs. 8 to 11, in which condition it is ready to use. As
for the
first embodiment, the materials from which the urinal is constructed are such
that
the bottle is maceratable and the card from which the urinal 110 is
constructed is
also treated to make it impervious to urine for a predetermined period.
As best seen in Fig. 14, the blank 112 comprises a central panel C' having
a short straight front edge 114 to which a short projecting flap 116 is
connected by
means of a fold line 118. two straight side edges 120, 122 which converge
towards,
and join, a respective end of the front edge 114, and a part-circular rear
edge 124
which connects the other end is of the side edges 120, 122. Two side panels
S',
mirror images of each other, extend from a respective one of the two side
edges
120, 122 of the central panel C'. Each side panel S' comprises a straight
front edge
126, to each of which a short projecting flap 128 is connected by means of a
fold
line 130, a straight outer edge 132, 134 and a rounded, part-circular rear
edge 136.
The part-circular rear edge 136 is the same radius as the part-circular rear
edge
124 of the central panel C and the side panels 5' are slightly wider than the
width
of the central panel C'. Consequently, when the side panels S' are folded in
towards each other along the respective fold lines forrned by the side edges
120,
122 of the central panel C', they lie flat on the surface of the central panel
and the
edges of the side panels S' overlap each other, as do the peripheries of the
part-
circular rear edges 124, 136 of the central panel C' and the side panels 5'.
The overlapping portions are secured together by application of a liquid-
resistant PVOH adhesive 138 to form the collapsed urinal shown in Figs. 12 and
13, having a straight front edge 140, two straight side edges 142, 144 which
converge towards, and join with, a respective end of the front edge 140 and
the
rear, part-circular end edge 146 which interconnects the opposite ends of the
side
edges 142, 144. The overlapping portions which form the front straight edge
140
are not secured together, and thereby define a slot which, when the urinal is

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expanded, will form an opening of the urinal, as will be explained. it will
also be
observed that the short projecting flaps 116, 128, are folded back over, and
glued
to, the outer surface of the urinal adjacent to the unglued portion which will
form
the opening of the urinal.
5 The fold lines in the upper leaf of the collapsed bottle (see Fig. 13)
define
an upper wall 148 on the upper surface of the urinal, defined by two straight
fold
lines 150, 152 each extending from a location near the rear end of a
respective
side edge 142, 144 to a respective end of a short centrally-disposed fold line
154
extending parallel to the front straight edge 140 and located approximately
one
10 third the distance from the front straight edge to the further most
point of the curved
rear edge 146.
Two further fold lines 156, 158 extend from each end of the central fold line
154, the first fold line extending to a point 160 on the respective side edge
142,
144 approximately one fifth of the length of the side edge from the front
straight
edge 140 and the second fold line extending to a point 162 approximately half
way
along the respective side edge 142, 144. Further fold lines 164, 166 extend
from
the midpoint and the furthest end point of the fold lines 150, 162 to the
point 162.
It will also be observed that five fold lines 168 extend from the central fold
line 154 to the front straight edge. The fold lines 168 are equally spaced at
the
central fold line 154, but fan outwardly away from the fold line 154.
The fold lines in the lower leaf of the collapsed bottle (see Fig. 14) define
a
lower wall 170 on the lower surface of the urinal, defined by two straight
fold lines
172, 174 each extending from a location near the rear end of a respective side
edge 142, 144 to a respective end of a short centrally-disposed fold line 154'
extending parallel to the front straight edge 140 and located approximately
one
third the distance from the front straight edge to the further most point of
the curved
rear edge 146.

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Two further fold lines 176, 178 extend from each end of the central fold line
154, the first fold line extending to the point 160 on the respective side
edge 142,
144 approximately one fifth of the length of the side edge from the front
straight
edge 140 and the second fold line extending to the point 162 approximately
half
way along the respective side edge 142, 144. Further fold lines 180, 182
extend
from the midpoint and the furthest end point of the fold lines 172, 174 to the
point
162.
As for the first embodiment, the urinal is stored in the fiat, collapsed
condition shown in Figs. 12 and 13, in which condition it occupies very little
volume.
When it is desired to use a urinal, a collapsed urinal is transformed into an
expanded urinal shown in Figs. 8 to 11 by pressing inwardly on the opposite
straight side edges 142, 144. This causes the urinal to expand into the
condition
shown in Figs. 8 to 11. In particular, it will be observed that the fold lines
on the
upper and lower faces of the collapsed urinal results in the formation of
identical,
generally diamond-shaped concave recesses 184, 186 on either side of the
expanded urinal, with the side edges 142, 144 extending along the length of
the
recesses from corner to corner.
When the urinal is in the expanded condition, the two previously abutting
leaves of card which form the urinal separate from each other along the front
edge,
forming an opening 190 to the expanded urinal. The urinal can then be used in
the
same way as prior art urinals and subsequently disposed of in a macerator. The
concave recesses 184, 186, which also effectively form the side walls of
expanded
urinal, also facilitate manipulation and lifting of the urinal using one hand.
The five fold lines 168 on the upper leaf of the urinal 110 help to form a
more tubular opening or neck portion to the expanded urinal

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The third embodiment of the invention, shown in Figs. 15 to 24, is very
similar to the first and second embodiments, the main differences being the
number, location and shape of the fold lines.
As for the first and second embodiments, the third embodiment is a male
urinal 210 formed from a sheet of cardboard out of which is stamped the blank
212
shown in Fig, 22. The blank 212 is folded and glued to form a collapsed
urinal,
shown in Flgs. 23 and 24, which may be expanded when required to form the
expanded urinal 210 shown in Figs. 15 to 21, in which condition it is ready to
use.
As for the first and second embodiments, the materials from which the
urinal is constructed are such that the bottle is maceratable and the card
from
which the urinal 210 is constructed is also treated to make it impervious to
urine
for a predetermined period.
As best seen in Fig. 22, the blank 212 comprises a central panel P having
a short straight front edge 214 to which a projecting flap 216 is connected by
means
of a fold line 218, two straight side edges 220, 222 which converge towards,
and
join, a respective end of the front edge 214, and a straight rear edge 224
which
connects the other ends of the side edges 220, 222. An elongate flap 225
extends
along the length of the rear edge 224 and is attached thereto by means of a
straight
fold line 226.
Two side panels 01, 02, mirror images of each other (with the exception
of a handle H on side panel 02 and reinforcing flaps at the upper edges, as
will be
explained) extend from a respective one of the two side edges 220, 222 of the
central panel P. Each side panel 01, Q2 comprises a straight outer edge 228, a
straight rear edge 230 extending perpendicularly to the outer edge 228 and a
front
edge having a first portion 232 extending perpendicularly to the outer edge
228
and a second portion 234 which is an extension of the straight front edge of
the
central panel P. Elongate securing panels 236 extend along the rear edge of
each

CA 02927352 2016-04-13
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PCT/GB2014/053278
13
of the side panels 01, 02 and securing flaps 238, 240 and 242 extend from the
front edge of the portions 234 of the first and second flaps 01. 02 and from
the
front edge 232 of the side panel Q1 .
A U-shaped handle portion H also extends outwardly from the outer edge
228 of the side panel 02.
The side panels Q1 , 02 are dimensioned such that when they are folded
in towards each other along the respective fold lines formed by the side edges
220,
222 of the central panel P. they lie flat on the surface of the central panel
P and
the edges of the side panels 01, 02 overlap each other, and the straight rear
edges
230 of the side panels 01, 02 lie immediately above the straight rear edge 224
of
the central panel P, with the securing flaps 236 of the panels 01, 02
overlapping
each other and overlying the flap 225 of the central panel P.
The overlapping portions are secured together by application of a liquid
resistant PVOH adhesive to form the collapsed urinal shown in Figs. 23 and 24,
having a straight front edge 250, two straight side edges 252, 254 which
converge
towards, and join with, the respective end of the front edge 140 and the rear
straight
edge 256 which interconnects the opposite ends of the side edges 252, 254. The
overlapping portions which form the front straight edge 250 are not secured
together and thereby define a slot 260 which, when the urinal is expanded,
will
form an opening 0 of the urinal, as will be explained.
The flaps 236 of the side panels 01, 02 and the flap 225 of the central
panel P are glued to each other and are also folded back over, and glued to,
the
outer surface of the urinal. In addition, the flaps 216, 238, 240 and 242 at
the upper
edge of the urinal are folded back over, and glued to, the inner surface of
the urinal
adjacent to the edge in order to reinforce the portion of the blank which will
form
the opening 0 of the urinal.

CA 02927352 2016-04-13
WO 2015/063521
PCT/GB2014/053278
14
It will also be observed that the handle portion H is not glued to the rest of
the male urinal but is merely connected to elongate edge 228 of side panel 02
along connecting folds.
The fold lines in the upper leaf of the collapsed bottle define an upper wall
262 on the upper surface of the urinal, defined by two fold lines 264, 266
which are
symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the collapsed urinal. The fold
lines
comprise a curved portion 264a, 266a extending from the lower corners of the
collapsed urinal, which merge into two straight, parallel fold lines 264b,
266b where
they meet the unglued slot portion 260 which will form the opening 0 of the
urinal.
Two further curved fold lines 270, 272 extend from the curved portion of
each of the aforementioned fold lines on the upper leaf, to the respective
lateral
edges of the collapsed urinal.
The fold lines in the lower leaf of the collapsed bottle define a lower,
trapezoidal base wall B defined by two straight fold lines 274, 276 extending
from
the lower corners of the collapsed urinal to a respective end of a short
centrally-
disposed fold line 278 extending parallel to the rear edge 256 and located
approximately halfway between the front and rear edges of the collapsed
urinal.
Two further fold lines 280, 282 extend from each end of the central fold line,
almost parallel to each other but diverging slightly, towards the front edge
250 of
the collapsed urinal.
Further straight fold lines 284, 286 extend from the junction of the
aforementioned curved fold lines 270, 272 and the respective lateral edges
252,
254 of the collapsed urinal. These further fold lines are straight and
converge at
the respective ends of the central fold line.
As for the first and second embodiments, the urinal is stored in the fiat,
collapsed condition in which it occupies very little volume. When it is
desired to
use the urinal, a collapsed urinal is transformed into an expanded urinal
shown in

CA 02927352 2016-04-13
WO 2015/063521
PCT/GB2014/053278
Figs. 15 to 22 by pressing inwardly on the opposite straight side edges. This
causes the urinal to expand into the condition shown in Figs. 15 to 22 and in
particular forms an elongate tubular neck portion N having the opening 0 at
its
upper end. In particular, it will be observed that the fold lines on the upper
and
5 lower faces of the collapsed urinal results in the formation of
identical, generally
curved recesses R1, R2 on either side of the expanded urinal, with the side
edges
extending along the length of the recesses from corner to corner.
When the urinal is In the expanded condition, the two previously abutting
leaves of card which form the urinal separate from each other along the front
edge,
10 forming an opening 0 to the expanded urinal. The urinal can then be used
in the
same way as prior art urinals and subsequently disposed of in a macerator. The
concave recesses which also effectively form the side walls of the expanded
urinal
also facilitate manipulation and lifting of the urinal using one hand.
It will also be observed that the expanded urinal can be rested on the base
15 wall before, during and after use. After use, the urinal can be disposed
of in a
macerator, as for the previous two embodiments.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments.
For example, although the specific description refers to the urinals being
made
from paper pulp card, other sheet materials including (but not limited to)
paperboard and paper may be used instead.
Also, other types of adhesive may be used instead of, or in addition to,
PV0FI adhesive. indeed, other methods of securing the edges of the blank to
form
the collapsed container may be used, for example heat sealing.
Moreover, although the specific embodiments refer to urinals, the invention
is also applicable to other types of container including (but not limited to)
bottles,
for example.

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

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Event History

Description Date
Time Limit for Reversal Expired 2024-05-06
Letter Sent 2023-11-06
Letter Sent 2023-05-04
Letter Sent 2022-11-04
Inactive: Grant downloaded 2021-12-30
Inactive: Grant downloaded 2021-12-30
Grant by Issuance 2021-12-28
Letter Sent 2021-12-28
Inactive: Cover page published 2021-12-27
Pre-grant 2021-11-10
Inactive: Final fee received 2021-11-10
Notice of Allowance is Issued 2021-10-22
Letter Sent 2021-10-22
Notice of Allowance is Issued 2021-10-22
Inactive: Approved for allowance (AFA) 2021-09-01
Inactive: Q2 passed 2021-09-01
Amendment Received - Voluntary Amendment 2021-04-28
Amendment Received - Response to Examiner's Requisition 2021-04-28
Examiner's Report 2020-12-29
Inactive: Report - QC passed 2020-12-18
Common Representative Appointed 2020-11-07
Letter Sent 2019-11-12
Common Representative Appointed 2019-10-30
Common Representative Appointed 2019-10-30
Request for Examination Received 2019-10-22
Request for Examination Requirements Determined Compliant 2019-10-22
All Requirements for Examination Determined Compliant 2019-10-22
Change of Address or Method of Correspondence Request Received 2018-07-12
Letter Sent 2016-08-29
Inactive: Single transfer 2016-08-23
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2016-07-31
Inactive: IPC assigned 2016-07-31
Inactive: Notice - National entry - No RFE 2016-04-27
Inactive: Cover page published 2016-04-26
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2016-04-21
Inactive: IPC assigned 2016-04-21
Application Received - PCT 2016-04-21
National Entry Requirements Determined Compliant 2016-04-13
Application Published (Open to Public Inspection) 2015-05-07

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Maintenance Fee

The last payment was received on 2021-10-05

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

  • the reinstatement fee;
  • the late payment fee; or
  • additional fee to reverse deemed expiry.

Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Fee History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Paid Date
MF (application, 2nd anniv.) - standard 02 2016-11-04 2016-04-13
Basic national fee - standard 2016-04-13
Registration of a document 2016-08-23
MF (application, 3rd anniv.) - standard 03 2017-11-06 2017-10-05
MF (application, 4th anniv.) - standard 04 2018-11-05 2018-10-05
MF (application, 5th anniv.) - standard 05 2019-11-04 2019-10-07
Request for examination - standard 2019-11-04 2019-10-22
MF (application, 6th anniv.) - standard 06 2020-11-04 2020-10-06
MF (application, 7th anniv.) - standard 07 2021-11-04 2021-10-05
Final fee - standard 2022-02-22 2021-11-10
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
VERNACARE LIMITED
Past Owners on Record
None
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Description 2016-04-13 15 902
Drawings 2016-04-13 17 628
Representative drawing 2016-04-13 1 23
Claims 2016-04-13 2 100
Abstract 2016-04-13 1 78
Cover Page 2016-04-26 2 60
Claims 2021-04-28 2 68
Cover Page 2021-11-26 1 48
Representative drawing 2021-11-26 1 12
Notice of National Entry 2016-04-27 1 207
Courtesy - Certificate of registration (related document(s)) 2016-08-29 1 102
Reminder - Request for Examination 2019-07-08 1 123
Acknowledgement of Request for Examination 2019-11-12 1 183
Commissioner's Notice - Application Found Allowable 2021-10-22 1 572
Commissioner's Notice - Maintenance Fee for a Patent Not Paid 2022-12-16 1 550
Courtesy - Patent Term Deemed Expired 2023-06-15 1 536
Commissioner's Notice - Maintenance Fee for a Patent Not Paid 2023-12-18 1 541
Electronic Grant Certificate 2021-12-28 1 2,527
Patent cooperation treaty (PCT) 2016-04-13 19 1,040
National entry request 2016-04-13 5 131
International search report 2016-04-13 3 69
Request for examination 2019-10-22 1 48
Examiner requisition 2020-12-29 3 169
Amendment / response to report 2021-04-28 13 572
Final fee 2021-11-10 5 137